MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Should high school students have to read Shakespeare?

emoorman · 05-07-2011, 09:58 PM

I am a 73-year old engineer and former USAF pilot. I, too, hated reading Shakespeare, as well as English, psychology and all those other non-math or scientific courses. I always loved courses where there was a definite answer, rather than an opinion.

As I grew older and more mature, I came to understand the need for such courses and to be well rounded. That public speaking course I had many years ago came in handy when I needed to prepare and give a briefing. The same can be said for English and all the others.

I am now a firm believer in the "well rounded" education concept. And not just for engineers. I see no reason why liberal arts majors shouldn't take math beyond simple college algebra, or do they call it "pre-calculus math" these days. A little basic biology, chemistry and physics wouldn't hurt, either.

I feel the increase in technology means we need to broaden and increase our education requirements all up and down the line from elementary school to post graduate studies. If it means extending school an hour or two, so be it. I don't know why kids get out at 2:30 for anyway.

Enough of my rant. Keep the plays and other similar courses.

05-07-2011, 09:58 PM	#189
emoorman Obsessive Reader Posts: 74 Karma: 515292 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Shalimar, FL (in the panhandle) Device: Kindle PW, Nokia 1520	Need Shakespeare I am a 73-year old engineer and former USAF pilot. I, too, hated reading Shakespeare, as well as English, psychology and all those other non-math or scientific courses. I always loved courses where there was a definite answer, rather than an opinion. As I grew older and more mature, I came to understand the need for such courses and to be well rounded. That public speaking course I had many years ago came in handy when I needed to prepare and give a briefing. The same can be said for English and all the others. I am now a firm believer in the "well rounded" education concept. And not just for engineers. I see no reason why liberal arts majors shouldn't take math beyond simple college algebra, or do they call it "pre-calculus math" these days. A little basic biology, chemistry and physics wouldn't hurt, either. I feel the increase in technology means we need to broaden and increase our education requirements all up and down the line from elementary school to post graduate studies. If it means extending school an hour or two, so be it. I don't know why kids get out at 2:30 for anyway. Enough of my rant. Keep the plays and other similar courses.